RAAF: Organisation

The RAAF, like the RAN, is not officially grouped along functional lines like the Army. RAAF personnel, however, can be classified into two broad categories: air crew and ground staff and within these categories are found a variety of occupations, known in the air force as "musterings".

RAF groundstaff with RAAF and Royal New Zealand Air Force Air Crew, England, 1944. UK1620

Air Crew

Aircrew are the personnel who are responsible for the operation of an aircraft and its weapons. They are:

Pilots who actually fly the aircraft

Navigators who plan the aircraft's flight path and then guide the pilot

Bombardiers/Weapons System Operators who aim and then drop or fire the aircraft's main weapons

Air Gunners who operate the weapons used for the aircraft's self-defence

Observers who observe and report activity outside the aircraft, usually on the ground or sea

Radio Operators/Communications Operators who operate the aircraft's communications equipment

Loadmasters who ensure the safe and efficient stowage of cargo and passengers aboard the aircraft

Engineers who monitor the aircraft's engines and other mechanical systems

Ground Staff

Ground staff are the personnel who support the operation of aircraft and the crew members who fly in them. There are actually more ground staff in the air force than air crew and this group includes a diverse range of trades and professions including: